Housing (I)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
In this two part series, I’ll be focusing on the two most discussed housing topics: the check-in/arrival process, and choosing the right complex for you. Today, we’ll take a look at the check-in process.
Over the course of the past 25 years, Disney has honed the arrival process for the Disney College and CareerStart Programs into an art- for most it is a very simple and painless process. On your very first day, the expectations are clearly laid out: this is your day to move in and get settled. It’s also the day to fill out a bit of a paperwork related to your company-sponsored housing.
There are a couple of key steps in this process:
Arrival: On the day of arrivals, housing security at Vista Way will be a little more relaxed in terms of gaining access- as long as you can produce your participation confirmation, you’ll be admitted into the complex and provided a temporary parking pass. As soon as you clear security, you’ll be directed to the Vista Way pavilion. At that point, you’ll store any luggage (if you don’t have a car) and begin the process of checking in.
Paperwork and Placement: After you finish that, your next step will be filling out the first round of paperwork for the day: the back of the program guide you’ll be provided. You’ll also be given a copy of the apartment community codes, which you should review in detail before signing (these housing guidelines are hard and fast rules- if you’re caught breaking them, you could be sent home). The next step is apartment selection. If there’s any choice in housing the day you check-in, you can make requests and Price Management (Disney’s housing management partner) will attempt to accommodate them. At this point, if you haven’t done online roommate selection, look around before you collect your keys- it’s likely that the people you’re standing next to will be your roommates. You’ll also sign related paperwork at this point to give authorization to directly deduct rent from your weekly paychecks. You’ll also take a photo for your property ID immediately after this. Finally, if you’ve brought a car, you’ll need to provide proof of registration and insurance so they can provide you a parking decal during this part of the process.
Compliance Checks and Portal Registration: Next you’ll be evaluated for Disney Look, to make sure you’re within compliance. They’re looking at hair, nails and any visible body modifications at this point. Among the final steps include submitting your fingerprints and information for a full background check, and registering for ‘The HUB’ company portal.
After this, you’re free to retrieve your luggage and head to your apartment- if you’re living at Chatham Square, there’ll be a special bus (in addition to normal transportation) that will drop you and your luggage off right in front of your building. If you came early, you should have a few hours before the next (last) step. The whole process up to this point takes about one hour to complete, though depending on the number of participants, it may take longer. Arrive early in the day if possible.
Housing Welcome Session: The final step for most is attending the housing welcome session mentioned on the back of your program guide. This is a two hour session goes over the rules outlined in the housing community codes, apartment orientation by Price Management and a presentation by Disney’s Partners Federal Credit Union relating to payroll and potentially opening an account at the credit union.
Lifeguards only: You’ll also need to complete a skills test at Mickey’s retreat later in the afternoon at Mickey’s Retreat, across the street from Chatham Square. Lifeguards are given more information at check-in.
All in all, it’s a pretty painless first day. The following days will initiate your paperwork and training to become a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Resort. Check back on Saturday for a look at the different housing complexes available, and choosing the right one for you.
Coming up on Sunday: Housing, Part II
Coming up next week: Inside the Roles, Part II
Labels: College and CareerStart Programs • Housing •
